Just one listen to this home-built, high-end tube amp, and you’ll quickly discover that there’s more to that classic song you’ve been listening to for years. It has nothing to do with nostalgia — tubes just sound more musical than pure solid state, and the PoddWatt is a prime example.

So, what can you get from a mid-priced tube amp kit nowadays? If you’re willing to play by the rules, the answer is quite a bit. The PoddWatt produces a smooth sound that rarely offends, and as a kit, the build is fantastic. The instructions are thorough, and the components USA-sourced. The best part? The listening just gets better with time.